Consumers Reports and Apple clearly have a love-hate relationship. Friction between the two ignited back in July of last year when Consumer Reports announced that it couldn’t recommend the iPhone 4 due to what some have called the “death grip” issue. This was a problem identified by the non-profit organization which causes a loss of signal when the smartphone’s bottom left corner is touched. The simple fix offered by Consumer Reports was to place duct tape over the area. Apple responded by offering free cases for the iPhone 4 during a limited offering.

When Verizon Wireless offered their own version of the iPhone 4 it was deja vu for Apple when Consumer Reports stated that it too had reception issues in weak signal conditions. The problem found was similar to the one found on AT&T iPhone 4 models in that reception can be lost based on finger placement. As a result, the Verizon Wireless version of the iPhone 4 also failed to be recommended by Consumer Reports despite an otherwise high rating. Luckily for Apple, the organization felt much differently about the iPad 2.

In the latest test of the 10 “most-promising” tablet computers, the iPad 2 with both Wi-Fi and 3G topped the ratings. Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor for Consumer Reports, stated that Apple is leading the tablet market in both quality and price. He went on to say that is unusual since most products by Apple are premium priced.

In addition to tablets from Apple, Consumer Reports also tested tablets from Archos, Dell, Motorola, Samsung and ViewSonic. Based on 17 criteria, the Apple iPad 2 3G (32G) priced at $730 topped the ratings while the Motorola Xoom was found to be the iPad 2’s “chief rival” though it only tied with the first generation iPad.

The biggest gap in performance came from battery life tested by having the tablets play the same video clip over and over. The iPad 2 was able to last 12.2 hours compared to the Archos 70 Internet Tablet at $270 which lasted just 3.8 hours.

Reader Comments

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Due to very high demand on using iPad today, releasing its newly upgraded series is a valuable thing. Public are expecting for leveling up its features compare to old ones. It seems that this coming launching period, it would be another time for their success.

Ferrell

Oh dear god, Consumer Reports is a joke of a magazine. Taking money from companies to give the most favored rating like corrupt Washington politicians, the religious lobbyists and the tobacco lobby. Recommending Toyota products for years before the recalls blew up should tell you as much.

http://geek.com sal cangeloso

btw – Consumer Reports doesn’t take money from companies, they buy their own products, and are a non profit company.